2010/2011 Annual Report - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and ...

Mike and Braydon
“Mike is like another brother or dad to me. I find it so easy to talk to him.” That’s Braydon, talking
about his Big Brother Mike who began mentoring through mPower Youth Mentoring in Airdrie in
2008. He remembers that first year with Mike. “He was very friendly and someone I could relate to
really fast. He’s just a fun loving guy.”
Mike says he decided to volunteer with BBBS because, “I have a passion for working with youth
and wanted to make a difference. I can look back on my life and see where a coach or mentor
made a huge difference in my life, and I wanted to try and do that for someone else.” It’s a
decision he has never regretted. “It’s given me a little something extra to look forward to every
week. We have similar likes and dislikes. Our relationship has grown and become a deeper
friendship. While we may tease each other, we also talk about the ‘serious’ stuff too.”
Braydon feels he’s learned a lot from Mike. “I used to be really distant towards and with people.
Now I just make friends with anyone I can. Without Mike I would still be a very distant person with
my guard up, and I wouldn’t have any friends.”
Mike sees the changes in Braydon. “He’s grown a little more confident in himself and opened up
a little more.” But he also sees that Braydon isn’t the only one who has benefitted from the match.
“As much as I had hoped to make a difference in his life, he has made a difference in mine.”
Braydon is moving this fall and so his time with Mike is coming to
a close. “I’m just going to miss Mike so much since I’m moving this
September. He taught me to just be myself.”
Mike will miss Braydon too, and he has a piece of advice for anyone who’s thinking of becoming
a Big Brother or Sister. “Stop thinking about it and just do it! It will be one of the best decisions
you can make!”
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